Meet Eric
- Eric J. Simon, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Biology, Biotechnology, and Health Science at New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire. There, he teaches introductory biology, human biology, and tropical marine biology. Dr. Simon also teaches international travel courses; destinations have included Belize, the Galapagos, Tanzania, Cuba, the Amazon river, Patagonia, and Machu Picchu.
- Dr. Simon received both a B.A. in biology and computer science and an M.A. in biology from Wesleyan University, and a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Harvard University.
- Dr. Simon is the author of a widely used series of college biology textbooks with over 2 million books in print that help teach biology to students in over 40 countries.


Education & Teaching
Ph.D. in biochemistry, Harvard University (1989-96). Program in Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology completed in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology. Dissertation title: A Molecular Dynamics Study of a Mutation in a Bacteriophage 434 DNA/Protein Complex. Dissertation work completed in the laboratory of Dr. Stephen Harrison.
M.A. in biology, Wesleyan University (1989). Dissertation title: Sequence Dependence of the A to B Transition in DNA: A Theoretical Approach. Dissertation work completed in the laboratory of Dr. David Beveridge.
B.A. in biology and math: computer science, Wesleyan University (1989). Summa cum laude, University Honors, Phi Beta Kappa.
Professor of biology at New England College (2002-present) and Fordham University (1997-2002), Teaching Fellow and Teaching Consultant in the Sciences, Harvard University (1990-6).
Interests & Affiliations

Join our effort to feed 1,300+ Maasai schoolchildren at two elementary schools near Mto Wa Mbu, Tanzania.

Founder and President, Hillsboro APPLE Fund, which helps provides local produce to the Hillsboro Food Pantry

Kansas City Barbeque Society Certified BBQ Judge, two-time state champion (NH and ME) in BBQ brisket

Justice of the Peace in New Hampshire, which allows me to perform civil weddings

We have fostered 27 (and counting...) rescue dogs as volunteers for Cavalier Rescue USA.

Professor, Department of biology, biotechnology, and health science since 2002

Member, Board of Directors, for this private foundation that awards scholarships to local high school graduates

Volunteer instructor and faculty liaison, helping to provide low-cost continuing education for lifelong learners

I am a licensed private pilot. I flew a Cessna 172 (although it's been a while).

My wife and I have won over 15 blue ribbons for homemade jam at state fairs in MN, NJ, and NH.

A proud parent of two alumni, I have also served as Science Fair Head Judge, VP of the Board of Trustees, and Interim Head of School.

I am an ordained minister and enjoy performing wedding ceremonies, including two for former students.
Eric's college biology textbooks

Biology: The Core
by Eric J. Simon

Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections
by Martha R. Taylor, Eric J. Simon, Jean L. Dickey, Kelly A. Hogan, Jane B. Reece

Campbell Essential Biology
by Eric J. Simon, Jane B. Reece, Jean L. Dickey

Campbell Essential Biology with Physiology
by Eric J. Simon, Jane B. Reece, Jean L. Dickey
Travel Blogs
Resources
Check a Source
A free website created by Eric that allows anyone to judge the reliability of a scientific source.
Eric's TedX talk
Instructional technologies - Changing teaching and learning
Biology songs
Eric maintains a list of songs that intersect with the biology curriculum so that professors can enliven class with music.
Contact Eric
Have questions or want to collaborate? Whether you’re interested in his books, courses, photography, or talks, reach out below.
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